O-Diphenoloxidase

O-diphenol oxidase (ODO) is an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of melanin and other compounds containing o-diphenols. This enzyme plays an important role in the coloring of skin and hair, as well as in protecting the body from ultraviolet radiation.

ODO is a copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of ortho-diphenols (eg, p-coumaric acid) with molecular oxygen. This process leads to the formation of melanin, which is the main pigment of skin and hair.

Melanin is formed by a reaction between ortho-diphenols and amino acids such as tyrosine and tryptophan. ODO plays a key role in this process because it transfers electrons from ortho-diphenols to molecular oxygen.

Research shows that ODO is also involved in other processes related to melanin metabolism. For example, it may be involved in regulating the level of melanin in the skin and hair, and also influence its color.

Currently, ODO is an object of interest for researchers in the field of dermatology and cosmetology. They are studying its role in skin diseases such as age spots and vitiligo, and developing new treatments for these diseases. In addition, ODO can be used to develop new cosmetics that will improve skin and hair color without the use of harmful chemicals.